By Evangelist John BJ Hall
We could all put our pictures on a Wanted Poster. We are all indeed wanted by the Lord. You see, there was a death penalty passed on us. Jesus said it this way in John 3:16-18 (ESV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
First, we need to understand that the unbeliever is dead IN sin. Paul said in Ephesians 2:1 and 5 (ESV) 1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins … 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses …” So Jesus said we were already condemned and Paul said we were already dead. But it was not God’s intent for it to remain that way. Second Peter 3:9 (KJV) 9 clearly states that, “The Lord is not … willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Second, because of His mercy (not giving us the punishment that we deserve) and grace (giving us that which we do not deserve, salvation) the Savior died FOR our sin. God is a righteous God. He rightfully demands retribution for our trespasses and sin. But He is also a merciful God. Knowing that the punishment for disobedience was death, God chose to send His Son to die in our place, thus satisfying His requirement of death for us.
Finally, the believer is dead TO sin with his Lord. Paul said in Romans 6:11 (KJV) “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
This is a glorious fact which we are to make real in actual daily experience as we consider ourselves dead to sin but alive to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. You and I cannot do this alone. So, our Lord sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in our lives and show us each step to take to glorify the Lord.
So Marvelous
So marvelous the love of God was shown.
Now that we have believed, we are His own.
For Jesus came, and died upon the cross,
And He saved us from death and endless loss.
So wonderful this love that He’s given.
That we who believe will go to Heav’n.
There’s room for all who trust upon His name,
For His great love will always be the same.
© Copyright 2001 by Passages Ministries. All rights reserved.
For permission to use this poem contact Passages Ministries.